Adjustment locking means for adjustable jaw wrenches



Nov. 19, 1957 c. R. HATCH, JR 2,813,444

ADJUSTMENT LOCKING MEANS F OR ADJUSTABLE JAW WRENCHES Filed July 23, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN VEIV TOR.

' 3. I Cbaz pceykljafchflfr, V @M, @wfla, @w cfiem, ATTORNEYS.

Nov. 19, 1957 c. R. HATCH, JR 2,313,444

" ADJUSTMENT LOCKING MEANS FOR ADJUSTABLE JAW WRENGHES Filed July 25, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 N TOR.

Cha unceykl zaz 'hff BY ATTORNEYS.

.principles of the present invention. stood, however, that the present invention is not limited ttcs M atent 2,813,444 Patented Nov. 19, 1957 see ADJUSTMENT LOCKING MEANS FOR ADJUSTABLE JAW WRENCHES Chauncey R. Hatch, Jr., Williamsville, N. Y., assignor to McKaig-Hatch, Inc., Buffalo, N. Y.

Application July 23, 1956, Serial No. 599,584 8 Claims. (Cl. 81-165) .provide an arrangement wherein the unlocked position of the wrench; after it is selectively established, is posi tively maintained until the user desires to lock the adjustment. Accordingly, thewrench is always freelyadjustable when: it should be.

Astudy of the details of the several embodiments of the present invention. illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described. in the following specificationwill present to those skilled inthis art various other objects and advantages resulting from the employment of the It is to be underto the precise details thus. set forth by way of example and that the scope of the invention is limited only as defined in. the appended claims.

.Inthe drawings:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view of a generally conventional open end adjustable wrench provided with one form of the adjustment locking. means of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken in the same direction as Fig. l but showingthe frame and other related parts in cross section;

, Fig. 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view on the line 33' of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4- is an end View of the adjusting worm of the embodiment of Figs. 1' through 3 viewed from the righthand end as shown in Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the adjusting worm supporting shaft of the embodiment of Figs. 1 through 4; Fig. .6. is a fragmentary elevational view generally similar to. Fig. 1 butshowing a modified adjustment locking. arrangement;

Fig. 7 is a view taken similarly to Fig. 2 butshowing the modified. adjustment locking arrangement of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 6 but showing a still further modified adjustment. locking arrangement; and

Fig. 9 isa. view similar to Figs. 2 and 7 but showing .the adjustmenti locking modification of Fig. 8.

" mentvthere illustrated awrench handle 10 is provided .with' ahead: 11 and an integral jaw 12. The outer edge .ofqhead 11: adjacent to jaw 12 is. formed with a T-slot 14 i i which forms a guide channel for a T-formation portion 15 of an adjustable wrench jaw member 16.

The head 11 of the wrench proper is provided with a rectangular opening 19 which receives an adjusting worm 20 which meshes with rack teeth 21 formed on the portion 15 of adjustable jaw 16.

All of the foregoing is highly conventional in adjustable open end wrench construction and is Well known to anyone concerned with the mechanical arts. As indicated in the preamble hereto, the present invention is concerned with novel means for locking the adjustment of the wrench jaws by selectively preventing rotation of the adjustable worm, in the present instance, the worm 20. The supporting shaft for worm 20 is designated 24 and is received in a bore 25 which extends parallel to the T-slot or guide channel formation 14 and intersects the opening 19 which receives worm 20.

In this embodiment the reference numeral 25 is applied to the portion of the bore which is of least diameter, namely the right-hand portion as viewed in Figs. 1 and 2. Between the rectangular opening 19 and bore 25 there is an enlarged counterbore portion 26. The portion of the opening for receiving shaft 24 which is disposed to the left of opening 19 as viewed in Figs. 1 and 2 comprises a non-circular internally splined portion 28 terminating at its outer end in an internally threaded portion 29.

Worm 20- is provided with an axial opening 30 which is internally splined and the left-hand end of which, as viewed in Figs. 1 and 2, is counterbored as at 31.

Shaft 24 is provided with enlarged non-circu-larportions 35 and 36 which, in certain positions of axial adjustment of shaft 24 interfit with the splined formation 30 of worm 2t) and the spline formation 28 of the head 11 of the wrench. A compression coil spring. 38 in counterbore 26 acts against non-circular portion 35 and urges shaft 24 to the left as viewed. in Figs. 1 and 2, namely to the limit position illustrated in Fig. 1, wherein a slight flaring at the end of shaft 24 as indicated at 39 prevents further movement to the left of shaft 24.

In this Fig. 1 position non-circular formation 36 of shaft 24 is in engagement with spline formation 28, which prevents rotation of shaft 24relative to the wrench frame, and non-circular formation 35 is in engagement with the spline formation 30 of worm 20, whereby worm 20 is fixed against rotation relative to shaft 24. Thus the movable jaw 16 is securely locked against a change of adjustment when the parts, and particularly shaft 24, are in the position illustrated in Fig. 1.

When it is desired to free the worm 20 for jaw adjusting rotation it is merely necessary to depress the head formation 42 to move shaft 24 to the right as viewed in Figs. 1 and 2. If the user desires to maintain the wrench in position for free adjustment it is merely necessary to impart a partial rotation to head 42 to engage the threaded portion 43 of shaft 24 in the internal threads 28 in the head 11 of the wrench, as shown in Fig. 2.

The two further embodiments of the selective adjustment locking arrangement of the present invention which are illustrated in Figs. 6 through 9 and will be described later herein have a basic similarity of construction and operation with respect to the embodiment just described and with respect to each other.

In each of the illustrated embodiments the Worm shaft or knurl shaft is spring biased to a position wherein the worm or knurl is locked against rotation and the wrench is accordingly locked against adjustment of the jaws. Thus any incidental or accidental pressure on the end of the worm shaft tending to unlock the adjustment unintentionally will be of only temporary efiiect and the adjustment will be automatically relocked when such pressure is removed. Furthermore, in each embodiment means are provided for positively holding the worm shaft and the shaft supporting the same 75.

the worm 74 in a condition for free rotation.

in a shifted axial position wherein the knurl or worm is free to rotate on its supporting shaft, although the shaft itself is still relatively non-rotatable relative to the Wrench proper.

In the embodiment of Figs. 6 and 7, and having particular reference to Fig. 6, the wrench handle is designated 50, the head 51, the stationary jaw 52, the adjustable jaw 53, the worm or knurl 54 and the shaft supporting the same 55. In Fig. 6 the worm shaft 55 is shown in its right-hand position wherein it is held against the urge of a coil spring with the worm 54 in a condition for free rotation. In Fig. 7 the shaft 55 is in its left-hand limit position wherein the worm 54 is locked against adjusting rotation.

As best shown in Fig. 7 worm 54 has a splined opening 57 at its left-hand end and a counterbore 58 throughout the remainder of its length. The head 51 of the wrench has a bore 60 which slidably receives the righthand portion of shaft 55 and to the left of worm 54 a splined opening 61. Shaft 55 has a pair of non-circular formations 63 and 64 separated by a reduced neck portion 65. A compression coil spring 68 in counterbore 58 acts against non-circular formation 63 to urge shaft 55 to the left.

A cam member 70 is pivoted to the right-hand end of shaft 55 as at 71 and is provided with a pair of oblique cam faces which, in cooperation with coil spring 68, pro vides an over-center cam arrangement. With the cam 70 in the position shown in Fig. 7, spring 58 is free to urge shaft 55 to a left-hand limit position whereas when the cam 70 is in the position illustrated in Fig. 6 a higher oblique face bears against the side of head 51 to hold shaft 55 in a right-hand limit position against the urge of spring 68.

In the latter position illustrated in Fig. 6 the reduced portion 65 of shaft 55 registers with the splined formation 57 of worm 54 and the latter is therefore free to 'rotate and adjustment of the Wrench jaws may accordingly be freely effected. When the shaft is in the position illustrated in Fig. 7 non-circular formation 63 of shaft 55 is in engagement with the spline formation 57 of worm 54 and of course non-circular formation 64 is .m permanent engagement with the spline formation 61 of the head 51 of the wrench. Accordingly, in the position illustrated in Fig. 7 the worm 54 is locked against rotation and accordingly the wrench is locked against adjustment.

Reference will now be had to the third embodiment illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9. In this embodiment the wrench handle is designated 70, the head 71, the stationary jaw 72, the adjustable jaw 73, the worm or knurl 74 In Fig. 8 the worm shaft 75 is shown in its right-hand limit position wherein it is held against the urge of a coil spring with In Fig. 9 the shaft 75 is in its left-hand limit position wherein the worm 74 is locked against adjusting rotation.

As best shown in Fig. 9 worm 74 has a splined opening 77 at its left-hand end and a counterbore 78 through- .out the remainder of its length. The head 71 of the wrench has a bore 80, which slidably receives the righthand portion of shaft 75, and to the left of worm 74 a splined opening 81. Shaft 75 has a non-circular formation 83. A compression coil spring 88 in counterbore 78 acts against non-circular formation 83 to urge shaft 75 to the left.

The right-hand end of shaft 75 is provided with a cross pin which, in cooperation with coil spring 88, provides a releasable latching or locking arrangement for .shaft 75. With the cross pin in the position shown in Fig. 9, spring 88 urges shaft 75 to a left-hand limit position which is defined by abutment of cross pin 91 against the head 71 of the wrench.

The left-hand end of shaft 75 is provided with a head formation 94 by means of which the shaft may be moved to the right as viewed in the drawing, against the resistance of spring 88, and may then be given a quarter turn which brings one end of cross pin 91 into engagement with a detent notch 95 formed in the head 71 of the Wrench to retain shaft in this shifted position.

In this position the non-circular formation 83 has been shifted to the right from the position illustrated in Fig. 9 to a point where it is entirely within the counterbore 78 and free of the spline formations 77 and 81. Accordingly, the knurl or worm 74 may be freely rotated on the shaft 75 to adjust the wrench. On the other hand, when shaft 75 is in the position illustrated in Fig. 9 noncircular formation 83 engages both of the spline formations 77 and 81 and worm 74 is accordingly locked against rotation relative to the wrench proper and the adjustment of the wrench is accordingly locked.

I claim:

1. A wrench comprising a head having a fixed jaw, a movable jaw carried by the head and having a rack, a worm mounted for engagement with said rack, and a worm shaft mounted in said head for supporting said worm, said head and said worm having aligned shaft receiving openings and portions of said openings in each being of non-circular cross section, said shaft having means for non-rotative engagement in said non-circular opening portions for locking the shaft and the worm against rotation, said shaft being axially slidable to release its non-rotative engagement means from the noncircular portion of said Worm opening, spring means urging said shaft axially to worm-locking position, and positive means for selectively retaining the shaft in released position relative to said worm against the urge of said spring means.

2. A wrench comprising a head having a fixed jaw, a movable jaw carried by the head and having a rack, a worm mounted for engagement with said rack, and a worm shaft mounted in said head for supporting said worm, said head and said worm having aligned shaft receiving openings and portions of said openings in each being of non-circular cross section, said shaft having means for non-rotative engagement in said non-circular opening portions for locking the shaft and the worm against rotation, said shaft being axially slidable to release its non-rotative engagement means from the noncircular portion of said worm opening, spring means urging said shaft axially to worm-locking position, and means selectively engageable between said shaft and said head for positively retaining the shaft in released position relative to said worm against the urge of said spring means.

3. A wrench comprising a head having a fixed jaw, a movable jaw carried by the head and having a rack, a worm mounted for engagement with said rack, and a worm shaft mounted in said head for supporting said worm, said head and said worm having aligned shaft receiving openings and portions of said openings in each being of non-circular cross section, said shaft having means for non-rotative engagement in said non-circular opening portions for locking the shaft and the worm against rotation, said shaft being axially slidable to release its non-rotative engagement means from the non-circular portion of said worm opening, the non-rotative means of said shaft being in non-rotative engagement with the noncircular opening portion of said head in all axial positions of said shaft.

4. A wrench comprising a head having a fixed jaw, a movable jaw carried by the head and having a rack, a worm mounted for engagement with said rack, and a worm shaft mounted in said head for supporting said worm, said head and saidworm having aligned shaft receiving openings and portions of said openings in each being of non-circular cross section, said shaft having means for non-rotative engagement in said non-circular opening portions for locking the shaft and the worm against rotation, said shaft being axially slidable to release its non-rotative engagement means from the non-circular portion of said worm opening, coil spring means in said worm and acting against the non-rotative means of said shaft for urging said shaft axially to worm-locking position, and positive means for selectively retaining the shaft in released position relative to said worm against the urge of said coil spring means.

5. A wrench comprising a head having a fixed jaw, a movable jaw carried by the head and having a rack, a worm mounted for engagement with said rack, and a worm shaft mounted in said head for supporting said worm, said head and said worm having aligned shaft receiving openings and portions of said openings in each being of non-circular cross section, said shaft having means for non-rotative engagement in said non-circular opening portions for locking the shaft and the worm against rotation, said shaft being axially slidable to release its non-rotative engagement means from the noncircular portion of said worm opening, resilient means urging said shaft axially in one direction to Worm-locking position, and means rendered manually operative upon manual movement of said shaft in the other direction for positively retaining said shaft in worm-released position.

6. A wrench comprising a head having a fixed jaw, a movable jaw carried by the head and having a rack, a worm mounted for engagement with said rack, and a Worm shaft mounted in said head for supporting said worm, said head and said worm having aligned shaft receiving openings and portions of said openings in each being of non-circular cross section, said shaft having means for non-rotative engagement in said non-circular opening portions for locking the shaft and the worm against rotation, said shaft being axially slidable to release its non-rotative engagement means from the noncircular portion of said worm opening, resilient means urging said shaft axially toward one end thereof to warmlocking position, and cam means at the other end of said shaft manually operative to move said shaft toward said other end for positively retaining the shaft in wormreleased position.

7. A wrench comprising a head having a fixed jaw, a movable jaw carried by the head and having a rack, a worm mounted for engagement with said rack, and a worm shaft mounted in said head for supporting said worm, said head and said worm having aligned shaft receiving openings and portions of said openings in each being of non-circular cross section, said shaft having means for non-rotative engagement in said non-circular opening portions for locking the shaft and the Worm against rotation, said shaft being axially slidable to release its non-rotative engagement means from the noncircular portion of said worm opening, resilient means urging said shaft axially in one direction to worm-locking position, and cooperating screw thread formations on said shaft and said head engageable by movement of said shaft in the other direction for positively retaining the same in worm-releasing position.

8. A wrench comprising a head having a fixed jaw, a movable jaw carried by the head and having a rack, a worm mounted for engagement with said rack, and a worm shaft mounted in said head for supporting said Worm, said head and said worm having aligned shaft receiving openings and portions of said openings in each being of non-circular cross section, said shaft having means for non-rotative engagement in said non-circular opening portions for locking the shaft and the Worm against rotation, said shaft being axially slidable to release its non-rotative engagement means from the noncircular portion of said worm opening, resilient means urging said shaft axially toward one end thereof to wormlocking position, and means projecting laterally from the other end of said shaft and selectively engageable with said head upon manual movement of said shaft toward the other end thereof for positively retaining said shaft in worm-releasing position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 23,832 Finn June 1, 1954 2,596,266 McEnroe May 13, 1952 2,657,606 Finn Nov. 3, 1953 2,719,449 Johnson Oct. 4, 1955 2,729,999 Barnes Jan. 10, 1956 2,750,829 Barnes et al. June 19, 1956 

